Getting Started in BLKOUT!

Getting Started in BLKOUT!

How to Get Started with BLKOUT:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What scale are the miniatures in BLKOUT?

    • The miniatures in BLKOUT are 32mm, providing a perfect balance between detail and ease of handling.

  2. What kind of dice do I need to play BLKOUT?

    • BLKOUT uses 10-sided dice (D10).

  3. Are there a lot of tokens needed for the game?

    • BLKOUT uses minimal tokens, ensuring that the game remains fast-paced and uncluttered.

  4. Is BLKOUT created by military service members?

    • Yes, BLKOUT is the only near-future wargame created by military service members. This is reflected in the real-world tactics and approach to combat in the game, as well as the donations we make to support the fight against veteran suicide.

  5. How does the reaction system work?

    • BLKOUT features an intuitive reaction system that is based on hard timing stops. Did you move too far? The enemy can shoot you first. Are you being shot at? You can return fire. There is never a case where you have to imagine where a model is. It only ever uses the physical placement of the model, leading to easy-to-understand tactical decisions.

  6. How many models do I need for a standard game?

    • An average matched play game requires 8-12 models per player. However, the system is flexible enough to handle games with 32+ models.

  7. What types of models are used in BLKOUT?

    • Models are either preassembled resin infantry models or your choice of multi-part hard metal infantry. Anything larger than an infantry model is made of resin.

  8. What are Dusters, and how do they fit into the game?

    • Dusters are giant mech units that can be added to your force. Depending on the scenario, they can replace standard units or be called down mid-game to change the tide of battle.

  9. Do I need to do complex math or use modifiers?

    • BLKOUT is designed with simplicity in mind—no math or modifiers are required. The game’s mechanics are straightforward, keeping the focus on strategy and tactics.

  10. How does list building work?

    • List building is incredibly simple. Just choose a force and three Unit cards to form your army. For larger games, you can select additional Unit cards to expand your force.

  11. What do I need to get started?

    • All you need to get started is the two-player starter set, which includes everything necessary to play, along with the rules download.

  12. Where can I find tournament information?

    • Tournament rules and information are found in the supplemental materials included in the rules download. These resources provide guidelines for competitive play and official events.

  13. How fast is the game?

    • Games can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. The gameplay is incredibly fast and very lethal, meaning your decision-making is the most important part of the game—not what you brought to the game.

Introduction to BLKOUT

BLKOUT takes place on the planet ABOL, a failed colony world now wracked by internal conflicts and besieged by external forces. The powers of Earth are present in their attempts to suppress the fledgling colony, and the various nation-states in play have their own agendas. Set in a near-future where tactics and technology are reminiscent of today but with a higher sci-fi feel, BLKOUT challenges you to navigate this intense and chaotic battlefield.

Perun Duster

The Three Available Forces in BLKOUT

Before diving into the gameplay, it’s important to understand the three core forces you can choose from. With more to come in the future!:

  1. Harlow First Reaction Force

    • Harlow focuses on speed and using their positioning to their advantage. With some of the best close-range gunfighting in the game, Harlow can easily cover objectives while using their flexible team leader and control teams to outpace and outmaneuver enemy units by chaining their movements together.

  2. UN Raid Force Alpha

    • Using only 6 models instead of 8 or 9 for their group, the UN makes up for this with their elite capabilities. Each model is easily the equal of 2-3 other models, and their speed and flexibility are the best in the game.

  3. Manticor Borz Group

    • Heavily armored, high firepower, Chechen-based mercenary group engaged in boarding actions and direct ground engagements. They are the most heavily armored and slowest force in BLKOUT.

MANTICOR: Borz Group Force

The Basics of BLKOUT

BLKOUT is designed to be easy to learn and quick to get into, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned wargamers. The game revolves around moving and engaging in combat with groups of models called units. While a unit will all move at once, their actions and choices are made at the individual model level, allowing for a combination of quick play and intense tactical positioning. Cover and movement are the keys to BLKOUT, with unique mechanics allowing models to lean around corners, jump to rooftop positions, or breach doors!

Step 1: Choose How You Want to Start

There are two main ways to dive into BLKOUT:

  1. Start with the Two-Player Starter Box Set:

    • What’s Inside: The two-player starter box is the perfect entry point for those new to the game. It includes everything you need to play right out of the box: two complete forces, a rulebook, tokens, and all necessary components.
    • Why Choose This: This option is ideal if you want a quick and straightforward way to get into the game with a friend. The included rulebook will guide you through your first game, and the pre-selected forces ensure balanced gameplay.

  2. Build Your Own Forces:

    • What’s Inside: If you prefer a more customized start, you can choose any two force boxes. Each force box contains all the units you need to field a complete army in the game.
    • Why Choose This: This option is perfect for players who want more control over their starting experience. You can pick the factions that appeal to you most, allowing for personalized gameplay right from the start.

Step 2: Learn the Basics of the Game

BLKOUT’s rules are designed to be intuitive and easy to grasp. We provide a how-to-play video series as well as active Discord channels and Facebook groups where you can ask questions and interact with the community.

Step 3: Expand Your Army with Dusters, Handlers, and BLKLIST Forces

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your BLKOUT experience to the next level by expanding your forces with additional units:

  • Dusters: Dusters are massive war machines that add a new layer of strategy to the game. They can replace one of your standard units or be called down mid-game, depending on the scenario. Their powerful abilities can turn the tide of battle, but they also require careful planning to use effectively.

  • Handlers: Handlers are ultra-powerful individual models that operate independently and can make multiple moves per round, allowing them to take on even the heaviest foes. These elite units are game-changers, offering a new dimension of tactical depth.

  • BLKLIST Forces: These are mercenary forces that can replace any of your units in a force. The two current options are Banak and Szabla, found in the BLKLIST force box. These units bring unique talents and powerful weapons to every standard force, allowing you to customize your strategy even further.

Step 4: Dive into the World of BLKOUT

With your forces assembled and the rules in hand, you’re ready to immerse yourself in the world of BLKOUT. Whether you’re playing a quick skirmish or a longer campaign, each game offers a unique challenge and a chance to test your tactical skills.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Expand your experience with BLKOUT’s game expansions. These documents are packed with additional scenarios to play, optional rules to enhance your games, different units to introduce new tactics, and a wealth of lore and background that will deepen your understanding of the BLKOUT universe. Each expansion adds layers of complexity and richness, ensuring that your battles are never the same and that the story of BLKOUT continues to evolve.

Conclusion

BLKOUT is more than just a game; it’s an experience. With its easy-to-learn rules, diverse range of forces, and deep tactical gameplay, BLKOUT offers endless hours of entertainment. Whether you start with the two-player starter box or build your own forces, you’ll find yourself drawn into the dark and thrilling world of BLKOUT, where every decision counts and every battle is a fight for survival.

So, grab your dice, assemble your forces, and get ready to enter the world of BLKOUT! And don’t forget to explore the expansions, which bring even more scenarios, units, and lore into the fray, keeping the excitement and challenge of BLKOUT fresh and engaging.